Fête Accompli

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Nothing like kneading tart crust to calm frazzled nerves! After an unsettling incident i settled down with these yesterday. The evening took a turn from the better as the oven's warmth and a subtly delicious aroma filled my kitchen.

Knead dough until smooth. Roll, cut and fit dough circlets into tart cups, ramekins or a muffin tin. Pat each round with about 1/3 of a tsp of honey and pre-bake about 5 mins. Place vegetables in a glass baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and roast veggies until tender. Whisk ingredients together. Fill tart cups and bake until firm. Serve warm on a plate drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Ina Garten's Parties cookbook is one of my all-time favorites. More so even than the recipes it is Ina's entertaining philosophy that I find so engaging. One revolutionary idea the domestic diva introduces in her classic tome is when you can "buy food don't make it." I was stunned that a chef and consummate hostess would say such a scandalous thing in print?! Buy food?! Moi. Never.

I have since learned the wisdom of her words. A great party is just a group of great people in a room. The more relaxed the hostess the happier the guests.

This Sunday I hosted an absolutely delightful 6hr brunch. You know you've done good when your guests linger. The food was good but my girls made it great and one of the biggest hits on the menu was store bought. You see Ina was right!

Trader Joe's has absolutely marvelous frozen croissants. I stuffed them with Prosciutto and Gruyere for added yumm.

Friday, March 21, 2014

It's rather sad to see formerly opulent environs descend into shabbiness. I find those temples of elegance which welcome scores of visitors each year to be far too prone to this fate. It's a tale often told through fading upholstery, lackluster service, and a reputation which has come to rest soley and rather undeservedly upon a well-known name, teetering precipitously on the past.

Located just off Trafalgar Square, London's glamorous Corinthia Hotel is a welcome respite from the faded glories of London's storied tea rooms. The Corinthia is a model of modern chic.

The hotel lobby boasts a tiny Harrods so richly bowered in luscious florals you'll be instantly transported to Eliza Doolittle's corner of Tottenham Court Road. The service is solicitous and the pastry's divine. The delicate gold flecked macarons were the best I have ever tasted.

Next time you're in London and feel like a spot of tea do stop at the Corinthia and enjoy afternoon tea as it should be, the most indulgent of rituals!

The Target cart has been featured in magazine spreads and fashionable homes galore. I've placed it in my virtual shopping cart half a dozen times. Each time my fingers hovered hesitantly over the checkout button. "It's too big" cried a nagging voice in my head.

Choose items that feature variations on a single shade or design motif:I used gold and polka dots. Petit prosecco bottles play off the blingy theme. Gold dots grace the interior of a gorgeous porcelain camellia bowl and rainbow colored ones adorn a book cover.

I spray painted a wicker basket a punchy champagne gold and used it for storage.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

I like spaces that are both aspirational and accessible, opulent yet...dare I say it cozy. BG is such a space. Designed by the brilliant Kelly Weastler, the domed chairs, fresh palette and outstanding cuisine make BG well worth a visit.

Go in the springtime. The restaurant boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park. BG is located on the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman along New York's Fifth Avenue. For reservations call (212) 872-8708.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

I have a weakness for sweets with savory or herbal flavors. A hint of rosemary or even a subtle floral accent can make your favorite dessert even more aromatic and decadent.

Adapted from a James Beard recipe, these shortbread have a velvety texture that comes from using ultra fine confectioners sugar and just a touch of honey. Roll these sweet treats in lavender vanilla bean sugar, available at your local spice shop, to enhance the yumm factor.